Ian,
Well if you don't measure EFAs, how do you figure out that deficiencies are very rare?
This smacks of a priori thinking, driven by cost-saving rather than science.
We measure a range of fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes, both essential and non-essential, in an out-patient population. By our criteria, members of the general population are often omega-3 EFA deficient. Subjects in inflammatory states frequently become omega-6 EFA deficient. The results appear to reflect intake of specific fatty acids rather than metabolic inter-conversion, and so what you will find in subjects on parenteral nutrition will largely reflect the balance between intake and utilization.
If anyone is interested, I can send a sample report showing what we consider important and the reference intervals (which are 95% population ranges, truncated for some EFAs)
Nick Miller
London
-----Original Message-----
From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ian Young
Sent: 18 June 2013 17:43
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Essential fatty acids
Routine monitoring of essential fatty acids is not recommended in the NICE guidance. We have occasionally measured EFAs in patients where there was some concern about the possibility of deficiency, but have never found a problem. I think deficiency must be very rare, but would be interested in any evidence to the contrary. We certainly don't monitor routinely but I would like to know if others do so, and what the experience has been.
Best wishes
Ian
Prof.Ian S. Young
Professor of Medicine and Director of The Centre for Public Health Queen's University Belfast
1st Floor ICS B Block
Royal Victoria Hospital
Grosvenor Road
Belfast
BT12 6BJ
Northern Ireland
tel: +44 (0) 2890 632743
fax: +44 (0) 2890 235900
email: [log in to unmask]
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